Gaming apparatus and game control method thereof

ABSTRACT

A roulette wheel includes a plurality of pockets each previously associated with a number. The roulette wheel is controlled on the basis of a control data set used for controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and timing of the launch of a ball. Thereby, there is a variation in probabilities of receiving the ball in each of the pockets among the pockets. The control data set is changed to another one according to a betting history indicating a history of pockets on which players have bet. Accordingly, the probability of each pocket receiving the ball is appropriately changed. This makes it possible to provide new entertainment value and to avoid the following situation: players read a bias in which the ball lands in some pockets more often than in the other pockets, and bets are concentrated in a certain region including the concerned pockets.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/873,568 filed on Dec. 8, 2006, and which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus such as a roulette gaming machine or a bingo gaming machine, and a method of controlling the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

Heretofore, a roulette game has been generally proceeded as follows. A dealer throws a ball into a roulette wheel. Then, players bet on pockets for receiving the ball. In recent years, the game has been being automated, and gaming apparatuses have been proposed, in which a roulette game proceeds fully automatically without a dealer throwing in a ball.

Such gaming apparatuses include a gaming apparatus which launches a ball using air, as disclosed in the pamphlet of International Publication WO2004/094013. In a gaming apparatus in which a roulette game proceeds fully automatically, it is considered that each pocket preferably has an equal probability that a ball falls therein to be received thereby. Accordingly, such gaming apparatuses include one which is designed so that each pocket can have an equal probability that a ball falls therein. To achieve this, irregularities are provided in the surface of a ball track so that the behavior of the ball is disturbed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide new entertainment value with attention focused on the probability of each pocket receiving a ball, with an idea opposite to a conventional one in which the receiving probability of each pocket is made as random as possible.

A first aspect of the present invention is a gaming apparatus including a roulette wheel, a memory and a controller. The roulette wheel includes a plurality of pockets each previously associated with a number. The memory stores a plurality of control data sets. Each control data set is used to perform control so that there is a variation in probabilities of receiving a ball in each of the pockets among the pockets. The controller is operable to control rotation of the roulette wheel and launch of the ball with reference to one of the plurality of control data sets, and to select another one of the plurality of control data sets, which is different from the one of the control data sets, according to a betting history. The betting history indicates a history of the pockets on which bets have been made.

In the gaming apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of the ball are controlled with reference to the one of the plurality of control data sets. Then, another control data set for controlling the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of the ball is selected according to the betting history.

A second aspect of the present invention is a gaming apparatus including a roulette wheel, a memory and a controller. The roulette wheel includes a plurality of pockets each previously associated with a number. The memory stores a plurality of control data sets. Each control data set is used to perform control so that one of a plurality of groups has a relatively higher probability of receiving a ball. Each group includes a predetermined number of pockets among the plurality of pockets. The controller is operable to control rotation of the roulette wheel and launch of the ball with reference to one of the plurality of control data sets. The controller is also operable to monitor a betting history indicating a history of the pockets on which bets have been made. Moreover, the controller is operable to select another one of the plurality of control data sets, which is different from the one of the control data sets, in response to a fact that a bet has been made on a pocket included in one of the groups which is set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball by using the one of the control data sets.

In the gaming apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of the ball are controlled with reference to the one of the plurality of control data sets. The betting history indicating a history of the pockets on which bets have been made, is monitored. In response to a fact that a bet has been made on a pocket included in the group which is set by the control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball, another control data set for controlling the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of the ball is selected.

A third aspect of the present invention is a gaming apparatus including a roulette wheel, a memory and a controller. The roulette wheel includes a plurality of pockets each previously associated with a number. The memory stores a plurality of control data sets. Each control data set includes at least one of: data on control of rotation of the roulette wheel, data on timing of launch of a ball, and data on an initial launch velocity of the ball. Each control data set is used to perform control so that there is a variation in probabilities of receiving a ball in each of a plurality of groups among the groups. Each group includes a predetermined number of pockets among the plurality of pockets. The controller is operable to control the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of the ball with reference to one of control data sets. The controller is also operable to monitor a betting history indicating a history of the pockets on which bets have been made. Moreover, the controller is operable to select another one of the plurality of control data sets, which is different from the one of the control data sets, in response to a fact that bets have been made a predetermined number of times on pockets included in one of the groups which is set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball by using the one of the control data set.

In the gaming apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of the ball are controlled with reference to the one of the plurality of control data sets. The betting history indicating a history of the pockets on which bets have been made, is monitored. In response to a fact that bets have been made a predetermined number of times on pockets included in the group which is set by the control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball, another control data set for controlling the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of the ball is selected.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a method of controlling a gaming apparatus. The method includes the step of controlling rotation of a roulette wheel and launch of a ball with reference to one of a plurality of control data sets. The roulette wheel includes a plurality of pockets each previously associated with a number. Each control data set is used to perform control so that there is a variation in probabilities of receiving the ball in each of the pockets among the pockets. The method further includes the step of selecting another one of the plurality of control data sets, which is different from the one of the control data sets, according to a betting history indicating a history of the pockets on which bets have been made.

In the gaming apparatus control method of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of the ball are controlled with reference to the one of control data sets. In addition, another control data set for controlling the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of the ball is selected according to the betting history.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is a method of controlling a gaming apparatus. The method includes the step of controlling rotation of a roulette wheel and launch of a ball with reference to one of a plurality of control data sets. The roulette wheel includes a plurality of pockets each previously associated with a number. Each control data set is used to perform control so that any one of a plurality of groups has a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball. Each group includes a predetermined number of pockets among the plurality of pockets. The method also includes the step of monitoring a betting history indicating a history of the pockets on which bets have been made. The method further includes the step of selecting another one of the plurality of control data sets, which is different from the one of the control data sets, in response to a fact that a bet has been made on a pocket included in one of the groups which is set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball by using the one of the control data sets.

In the gaming apparatus control method of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of the ball are controlled with reference to the one of the plurality of control data sets. The betting history indicating a history of the pockets on which bets have been made, is monitored. In response to a fact that a bet has been made on a pocket included in the group which is set by the control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball, another control data set for controlling the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of the ball is selected.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a method of controlling a gaming apparatus. The method includes the step of controlling rotation of a roulette wheel and launch of a ball with reference to one of a plurality of control data sets. The roulette wheel includes a plurality of pockets each previously associated with a number. Each control data set includes at least one of: data on control of the rotation of the roulette wheel, data on timing of the launch of a ball, and data on an initial launch velocity of the ball. Each control data set is used to perform control so that there is a variation in probabilities of receiving the ball in each of a plurality of groups among the groups. Each group includes a predetermined number of pockets among the plurality of pockets. The method also includes the step of monitoring a betting history indicating a history of the pockets on which bets have been made. The method further includes the step of selecting another one of the plurality of control data sets, which is different from the one of the control data sets, in response to a fact that bets have been made a predetermined number of times on pockets included in one of the groups which is set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball by using the one of the control data sets.

In the gaming apparatus control method of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of the ball are controlled with reference to the one of control data sets. The betting history indicating a history of the pockets on which bets have been made, is monitored. In response to a fact that bets have been made a predetermined number of times on pockets included in the group which is set by the control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball, another control data set for controlling the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of the ball is selected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a roulette device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing examples of control data sets.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the appearance of a roulette gaming machine according to the embodiment, showing the schematic configuration thereof.

FIG. 4 is a view showing one example of an image displayed on a display device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the roulette gaming machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing memory areas of a ROM of the roulette gaming machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing memory areas of a RAM of the roulette gaming machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the roulette device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing memory areas of a ROM of the roulette device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a station according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing game processing of the roulette gaming machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing game processing of the roulette gaming machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing game processing of the roulette gaming machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing game processing of the roulette gaming machine according to the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

A roulette device described as an embodiment of the present invention is a gaming apparatus in which a roulette game proceeds fully automatically without a dealer throwing in a ball. In this roulette device, groups are set among pockets on the roulette wheel so that each group includes a plurality of adjacent pockets. The roulette device includes a plurality of control data sets for controlling the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of a ball so that the pockets included in a certain group have relatively higher probabilities of receiving the ball. In other words, these control data sets can also be said to be data for creating a bias or variation in which some pockets receive the ball more often than the other pockets. The roulette device has a feature in which the control data set that determines the group having a relatively higher receiving probability is changed according to the history (hereinafter referred to as a betting history) of pockets on which players have bet. That is, the roulette device can perform control so as to create a bias in which the ball launched is received by the pockets included in a certain group more often than in the other pockets. The probability of each pocket receiving the ball can be appropriately changed by switching from the control data set currently selected to other control data set when various conditions are satisfied, such as on which pocket a player has bet on the roulette wheel and whether or not bets have been consecutively made on the same pocket.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a roulette device according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a roulette device 3 included in a roulette gaming machine 1 includes a frame body 21 and a roulette wheel 22. The frame body 21 is fixed to a cabinet 2 (see FIG. 3), and the roulette wheel 22 is rotatably contained in and supported by the frame body 21. In the upper surface of the roulette wheel 22, a large number of (in this embodiment, 38 in total) recessed number pockets 23 are formed. Furthermore, on the upper surface of the roulette wheel 22, number display plates 25 on which the numbers “0”, “00”, and “1” to “36” are displayed are formed around the number pockets 23 to correspond to the respective number pockets 23. The number pockets 23 are divided into groups each including a predetermined number of adjacent pockets in a manner which players cannot recognize.

Inside the frame body 21, a ball entrance 36 is formed. A ball throwing device 104 (see FIG. 8) is connected to the ball entrance 36. As the ball throwing device 104 is driven, a ball 27 is thrown into the roulette wheel 22 from the ball entrance 36. The entire roulette device 3 is covered with a transparent hemispherical acrylic cover member 28 (see FIG. 3) from above.

Under the roulette wheel 22, a wheel drive motor 106 (see FIG. 8) is provided. As the wheel drive motor 106 is driven, the roulette wheel 22 rotates.

Moreover, metal plates (not shown) are attached to a lower portion of the roulette wheel 22 at predetermined intervals. By detecting the metal plates with a proximity sensor included in a pocket position detection circuit 107 (see FIG. 8), the positions of the number pockets 23 can be detected.

The frame body 21 gently slopes toward the inner side, and has a guide wall 29 formed in an intermediate portion thereof. The guide wall 29 is intended to guide the thrown ball 27 against the centrifugal force, and to cause the ball 27 to roll on. As the rotational speed decreases and the centrifugal force reduces, the ball 27 rolls down the slope of the frame body 21 toward the inner side, and reaches the roulette wheel 22 rotating. Moreover, the ball 27 which has rolled on to the roulette wheel 22 further rolls over the number display plates 25 on the periphery of the roulette wheel 22 rotating, and is then received by any one of the number pockets 23. The number marked on the number display plate 25 corresponding to the receiving number pocket 23 is determined by a ball sensor 105. As a result, this number is designated as a number for which a payout is to be made.

The rotation of the roulette wheel 22 and the launch of the ball 27 are performed based on a control data set for performing control so that there is a variation in probabilities of receiving the ball in each of the number pockets 23 of the roulette wheel 22.

FIG. 2 shows examples of control data sets which are transmitted from a server 13 (described later) of the roulette gaming machine 1 to the roulette device 3. As shown in FIG. 2, each control data set includes a motor drive time, a ball initial velocity, and a launch delay time. The motor drive time is the time for which the wheel drive motor 106 (see FIG. 8) is driven. The roulette wheel 22 is rotated by the wheel drive motor 106 for the motor drive time at a predetermined rotational speed. It should be noted that after released from being driven by the wheel drive motor 106, the roulette wheel 22 gradually loses the rotational speed, and finally stops. The ball initial velocity is the initial velocity at which the ball 27 is thrown in from the ball throwing device 104. The launch delay time is the time between when a predetermined number pocket 23 passes a predetermined position and when the ball is launched, during the rotation of the roulette wheel 22.

As shown in FIG. 1, the roulette wheel 22 is divided into six regions A to F. Each region is related to a group including six or seven adjacent number pockets 23. It should be noted, however, that players cannot recognize the way in which the number pockets 23 are divided into groups, the way in which regions A to F are defined, and the like. Each control data set is set so that any one of regions A to F has a higher probability of receiving the ball 27. For example, suppose a case where the rotation of the roulette wheel 22 and the launch of the ball 27 are controlled based on a control data set including a motor drive time of 10 sec, a ball initial velocity of a, and a launch delay time of 0. In this case, the region A has a higher probability of receiving the ball 27.

In this embodiment, with regard to the plurality of control data sets prepared for increasing the receiving probability of any one of the above-described regions A to F, a change is made from the control data set currently selected to another control data set according to the betting history indicating a history of number pockets 23 on which players have bet. Specifically, a change is made from the currently selected control data set to another control data set in response to a fact that a bet is made on a pocket included in the group (meaning a group of pockets included in a region) which is set by the currently selected control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball. More specifically, a change is made from the currently selected control data set to another control data set in response to a fact that bets have been made a predetermined number of times on pockets included in the group which is set by the currently selected control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball.

It should be noted that in this embodiment, a condition for changing the control data set is not limited to this. For example, the condition for changing the control data set may be that the ball is received by the same pocket a predetermined number of times consecutively. The condition may be that the ball is received by pockets of the same group (region) a predetermined number of times consecutively. Otherwise, the condition may be that, for example, a mystery bonus or a jackpot occurs. Details of a method of determining when to change the control data set will be described later.

In the above-described example, a description has been given for the case where each of the regions A to F includes six or seven adjacent number pockets 23. However, in the present invention, the number of pockets belonging to one group is not particularly limited. Further, the number of pockets constituting each group may be equal to each other or may be different from each other. Moreover, in this embodiment, a description has been given for the case where the number pockets 23 are divided into six regions (groups) A to F, but the number of regions is not particularly limited to six in the present invention.

In the aforementioned example, a description has been given for the case where regions A to F do not overlap one another. That is, a description has been given for the case where the pockets belonging to one group do not belong to another groups. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one pocket may belong to a plurality of groups.

In the aforementioned example, a description has been given for the case where there are a plurality of control data sets corresponding to the respective regions (groups). However, as long as there are a plurality of control data sets, the control data sets need not be related to the respective regions (groups) in the present invention.

In the aforementioned example, a description has been given for the case where each control data set includes data concerning a motor drive time, data concerning a ball initial velocity, and data concerning a launch delay time. However, each control data set of the present invention is not limited to this. Each control data set may be any one of data (corresponding to a motor drive time) concerning the control of rotation of the wheel, data (corresponding to a launch delay time) concerning the timing with which the ball is launched, and data (corresponding to a ball initial velocity) concerning the initial velocity at which the ball is launched. Alternatively, each control data set may be one or some of these. Furthermore, data concerning the control of rotation of the wheel includes, for example, the rotational speed of the roulette wheel as driven by the motor, in addition to a motor drive time.

Next, the configuration of the roulette gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 3 shows the schematic configuration of the roulette gaming machine according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the roulette gaming machine 1 includes the cabinet 2, the roulette device 3, a plurality of stations 4 and an electronic display unit 5. The cabinet 2 serves as a body portion. The roulette device 3 is provided in an approximately central portion of the upper surface of the cabinet 2. The plurality of (12 in this embodiment) stations 4 are installed around the roulette device 3 to surround the roulette device 3. The electronic display unit 5 is provided over the cabinet 2. It should be noted that though the roulette gaming machine 1 is a stand-alone gaming apparatus which is not connected to a network, the present invention can also be applied to a gaming apparatus connected to a network.

The station 4 includes at least a medal insertion slot 6, a control unit 7 and a display device B. Through the medal insertion slot 6, monetary value including coins and game media such as chips and medals used in games is inserted. The control unit 7 includes a plurality of control buttons or the like with which predetermined commands are inputted by a player. On the display device 8, an image relating to a game is displayed. The station 4 accepts a betting operation made by the player. The player can cause the current game to proceed by operating a touch panel, the control unit 7 and the like while watching an image displayed on the display device B. Moreover, on the side surfaces of the cabinet 2 in which stations 4 are installed, medal payout openings 9 are provided. Furthermore, a speaker 10 for playing music, generating sound effects and the like is provided to the upper right of the display device 8 of each station 4.

Near the top of the display device 8 of each station 4, a WIN lamp 11 is provided. During a game, in the case where it is decided to make a payout for the number among the numbers “0,” “00,” and “1” to “36” on which a bet has been made at the station 4, the WIN lamp 11 of the station 4 to which the payout is to be made is turned on. Further, in a JP bonus game for winning a jackpot (hereinafter referred to as a JP), the WIN lamp 11 of the station 4 which has won the JP is also turned on similarly. It should be noted that this WIN lamp 11 is provided at a position where it is visible from all the stations 4 installed (12 stations in this embodiment), and other players who are playing at the same roulette gaming machine 1 can always check the turning on thereof.

Inside the medal insertion slot 6, a medal sensor 97 (not shown) is provided to validate monetary value such as medals inserted through the metal insertion slot 6, and also to count the inserted medals. Further, inside the medal payout opening 9, a hopper (not shown) is provided to pay out a predetermined number of medals through the medal payout opening 9.

In a corner portion 12 positioned at a corner of the cabinet 2, a server 13 is placed. The server 13 is usually contained in the corner portion 12 so as not to be operated by players. However, the server 13 becomes operable by opening a corner door 14 provided in the corner portion 12 using a key switch. Moreover, various settings on the roulette gaming machine 1 can be made by operating the server 13.

In the electronic display unit 5, a JP amount display section 15 for displaying the amount of a JP is provided. In the roulette gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, as described later, three kinds of JPs are provided: “MEGA,” “MAJOR,” and “MINI.” For the “MEGA” JP, 0.15% of credits bet at all the 12 stations 4 in the game are accumulated and stored. For the “MAJOR” JP, 0.20% of the credits bet are accumulated and stored. For the “MINI” JP, 0.30% of the credits bet are accumulated and stored. In the case where any one of the JPs has been won in a JP bonus game described later, a number of credits equivalent to the amount accumulated for the relevant JP are paid out to a predetermined station 4. The JP amount display section 15 displays the accumulated amount of the “MEGA” JP among the three kinds of JPs. It should be noted that the JP amount display section 15 is provided in a top portion of the electronic display unit 5 and that information displayed therein is visible to all the players who are playing at the stations 4.

FIG. 4 shows one example of an image displayed on the display device. As shown in FIG. 4, during the game, a BET screen 61 including a table-type betting board 60 is displayed on the display device 8. The player can make a bet using his or her credits by operating a touch panel 50 provided on the front surface of the display device 8.

First, the BET screen 61 displayed during the game will be described with reference to FIG. 4. In the table-type betting board 60 displayed in the BET screen 61, the 38 numbers “0,” “00,” and “1” to “36” are displayed to be arranged in a grid. Further, special BET areas for making a bet by designating “odd numbers,” “even numbers,” “the color of the number display plate (red or black),” or “a certain number range (e.g., “1” to “12”)” are also similarly arranged in a grid.

Under the table-type betting board 60, displayed are a result history display section 65, unit BET buttons 66, a payout result display section 67, and a credit amount display section 68.

The result history display section 65 displays a list of results of the numbers of the number pockets 23 which have received the ball in the preceding games. A new number is added from above and displayed when one game ends, and it is possible to check the history of the numbers of the number pockets 23 which have received the ball for up to 16 previous games. It should be noted that one game is a series of operations starting with the players making bets at the respective stations 4, followed by the ball 27 falling in one of the number pockets 23, and ending with credits being paid out based on the number corresponding to the number pocket 23.

The unit BET buttons 66 are buttons for making a bet on a BET area 72 which is designated by the player. The BET area 72 is a number in a cell of the grid displayed in the BET screen 61, or one of the lines which separate the cells of the grid, as shown in FIG. 4. For example, in a case where a bet is made on one of the lines which separate the cells of the grid, the bet covers all the cells sharing the line. The unit BET buttons 66 include four types: a “BET 1” button 66A, a “BET 5” button 66B, a “BET 10” button 66C, and a “BET 100” button 66D.

The player designates the BET area 72 to bet on using a cursor 70 described later by directly pressing the screen with his or her finger or the like. By pressing the “BET 1” button 66A in this state, the player can bet credits in increments of one credit. Every time the “BET 1” button 66A is pressed, the number of credits bet increases in the following order: “1,” “2,” “3,” . . . .

Further, by pressing the “BET 5” button 66B, the player can bet credits in increments of five credits. Every time the “BET 5” button 66B is pressed, the number of credits bet increases in the following order: “5,” “10,” “15,” . . . . Moreover, by pressing the “BET 10” button 66C, the player can bet credits in increments of ten credits. Every time the “BET 10” button 66C is pressed, the number of credits bet increases in the following order: “10,” “20,” “30,” . . . . Furthermore, by pressing the “BET 100” button 66D, the player can bet credits in increments of 100 credits. Every time the “BET 100” button 66D is pressed, the number of credits bet increases in the following order: “100,” “200,” “300,” . . . .

The payout result display section 67 displays the number of credits bet by the player and the number of credits paid out in the previous game. Here, the number obtained by subtracting the number of credits bet from the number of credits paid out is the number of credits newly acquired by the player in the previous game.

The credit amount display section 68 displays the number of credits currently possessed by the player. This number of credits decreases according to the number of credits bet when a bet is made. For example, the number of credits decreases by one for one bet. Moreover, when the number pocket 23 on which the player has bet receives the ball and credits is paid out accordingly, the number of credits increases by the number of credits paid out. It should be noted that when the number of credits possessed by the player reaches zero, the game ends.

Above the table-type betting board 60, a BET time display section 69 is provided. The BET time display section 69 displays remaining time during which the player can make a bet. The BET time display section 69 displays “20” at the start of betting operation acceptance, and the number decrements by one per second. When the number reaches “0,” the acceptance of a betting operation is stopped. Further, when the remaining betting period for the player at each station 4 becomes five seconds, the ball throwing device is driven to throw the ball 27 into the roulette wheel.

On the right side of the BET time display section 69, the following are provided: a MEGA display section 73 for displaying the number of credits accumulated for the “MEGA” JP so far; a MAJOR display section 74 for displaying the number of credits accumulated for the “MAJOR” JP so far; and a MINI display section 75 for displaying the number of credits accumulated for the “MINI” JP so far. The MEGA display section 73 displays the value obtained by accumulating 0.15% of credits bet at all the 12 stations 4 for each game. The MAJOR display section 74 displays the value obtained by accumulating 0.20% of the credits bet. The MINI display section 75 displays the value obtained by accumulating 0.30% of the credits bet. The values displayed respectively in the MEGA display section 73, in the MAJOR display section 74, and in the MINI display section 75 are common values for all the stations 4. When it is determined which JP is to be provided in a JP bonus game, the number of credits are paid out which corresponds to the JP determined to be provided among the JPs displayed in the respective display sections 73 to 75. After the payout, the relevant JP display section displays the corresponding initial value (200 credits for “MINI,” 5000 credits for “MAJOR,” and 50000 credits for “MEGA”).

Moreover, a cursor 70 indicating the BET area 72 currently selected by the player is displayed on the table-type betting board 60. A chip mark 71 is also displayed thereon. The chip mark 71 indicates the number of chips bet so far and the BET area 72 where the chips are bet. The number displayed on the chip mark 71 indicates the number of chips bet. For example, the chip mark 71 placed in the cell of “18” and marked “7” as shown in FIG. 4 indicates that seven chips are bet on the number “18.” It should be noted that a bet type in which a bet is made only on one number in this way is called “straight bet.” In addition, the chip mark 71 placed at the intersection of the cells of “5,” “6,” “8,” and “9” and marked “1” indicates that one chip is bet to cover the four numbers “5,” “6,” “8,” and “9.” It should be noted that a bet type in which a bet is made to cover four numbers in this way is called “corner bet.”

Other bet types include “split bet,” “street bet,” five bet,” “line bet” and “dozen bet.” In the “split bet,” a bet is made on the line between two numbers to cover the two numbers. In the “street bet,” a bet is made at the end of a lateral row (vertical column in FIG. 4) of numbers to cover three numbers (e.g., “13,” “14,” and “15”). In the “five bet,” a bet is made on the line between the numbers “00” and “3” to cover the five numbers “0,” “00,” “1,” “2,” and “3.” In the “line bet,” a bet is made between two lateral rows (two vertical columns in FIG. 4) of numbers to cover six numbers (e.g., “13,” “14,” “15,” “16,” “17,” and “18”), and in the “column bet,” a bet is made on the cell marked “2 to 1” to cover 12 numbers. In the “dozen bet,” a bet is made on any one of the cells marked “1st 12,” “2nd 12,” and “3rd 12” to cover 12 numbers. Yet other bet types include one in which a bet is made to cover all of 18 numbers according to the color (“red” or “black”) of the number display plate, according to whether the number is even or odd, or according to whether the number is not more than 18 or not less than 19, using one of six cells provided in the lowest column of the table-type betting board 60. The above-described plurality of bet types have different credit payouts (payout rates) per chip for the case where the number pocket 23 on which a bet has been made has received the ball.

When the player makes a bet in the BET screen 61 configured as described above, the player first designates a BET area 72 to bet on (the number in a cell of the grid displayed in the BET screen 61, or one of the lines which separate the cells of the grid) by directly pressing the screen with his or her finger. As a result, the cursor 70 moves to the designated BET area 72. Thereafter, when one of the unit BET buttons 66 including “BET 1” button 66A, “BET 5” button 66B, “BET 10” button 66C, and “BET 100” button 66D is pressed, a number of chips corresponding to the designated unit are bet on the designated BET area 72. For example, by pressing the “BET 10” button 66C four times, the “BET 5” button 66B once, and the “BET 1” button 66A three times, the player can bet 48 chips in total.

FIG. 5 shows the internal configuration of the roulette gaming machine according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the roulette gaming machine 1 includes the server 13, and the plurality of (12 in this embodiment) stations 4 connected to the server 13. The roulette device 3 and the electronic display unit 5 are connected to the server 13. It should be noted that the internal configurations of the roulette device 3 and the station 4 will be described in detail later.

The server 13 includes a server control CPU 81 for controlling the entire server 13, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, a timer 84, a liquid crystal display 32 connected to the server 13 through a liquid crystal drive circuit 85, and a keyboard 33.

The server control CPU 81 performs various processes, based on input signals supplied from the stations 4, and based on data, programs and the like stored on the ROM 82 and the RAM 83. Then the server control CPU 81 transmits command signals to the stations 4 based on the results of the processes, thus taking the initiative in controlling the stations 4. In particular, the sever control CPU 81 transmits to the roulette device 3 a signal for switching the control data sets which are shown in FIG. 2 and used to control the launch of the ball 27 and the rotation of the roulette wheel 22. In addition, the server control CPU 81 generates a command signal for selecting another one of the plurality of control data sets prepared, which is different from the currently selected control data set, according to the betting history indicating a history of the number pockets 23 on which players have bet so far. That is, the server control CPU 81 performs control for changing the control data sets according to the betting history.

Specifically, the server control CPU 81 monitors the positions (referred to as betting positions) of the number pockets 23 on which players have bet. In response to a fact that a bet is made on the group (number pockets 23 included in one of the regions A to F) which is set by the control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball, the server control CPU 81 generates a command signal for selecting another one of the plurality of control data sets prepared, which is different from the currently selected control data set. In addition, the server control CPU 81 monitors whether or not bets have been made a predetermined number of times on the pockets included in the group which is set by the control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball. In response to the predetermined number of bets being made on predetermined pockets, the server control CPU 81 generates a command signal for changing the control data set. Accordingly, the server control CPU 81 detects biased betting based on the betting history, and changes the control data set for controlling the launch of the ball 27 and the rotation of the roulette wheel 22, thereby making it possible to avoid the following situation: a bias in which the ball lands in some pockets more often than in the other pockets is read by players, and bets are concentrated in a certain region including the pockets.

Further, the server control CPU 81 can also accumulatively store the combination of the betting positions and the numbers of credits bet thereon, but not the combination of betting positions on which players have bet and the number of betting positions. In this case, the server control CPU 81 may determine that betting is biased when a predetermined number of credits is reached. It should be noted that in principle, the server control CPU 81 may perform a process for changing the control data set in response to a bias in bets made by players. The server control CPU 81 may change the control data set by further taking into consideration the result of the game, i.e., whether or not a payout has been made for the number pocket 23 on which a bet has been made. The process of changing the control data set for controlling the launch of the ball 27 and the rotation of the roulette wheel 22 in response to a command signal generated by the server control CPU 81 according to a predetermined condition (betting history in this embodiment) is specifically shown in FIGS. 11 to 14.

The ROM 82 is formed of, for example, a semiconductor memory, and stores a program for achieving basic functions of the roulette gaming machine 1. Moreover, the ROM 82 stores a program for notifying maintenance timing and executing the setting and management of a condition for making the notification, payout rates (the number of credits paid out for each win per chip) for the roulette game, a program for taking the initiative in controlling each station 4, and the like.

FIG. 6 shows memory areas of the ROM of the roulette gaming machine according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the ROM 82 includes a payout credit memory area 82A for storing payout rates used for the game. It should be noted that the payout rate for each BET area 72 of the BET screen 61 is stored in the payout credit memory area 82A, and that the payout rate is predetermined to be “2 for 1” to “36 for 1” according to the bet type (“straight bet,” “corner bet,” “split bet,” or the like).

The RAM 83 temporarily stores information on chips bet which is supplied from the stations 4, the number which is determined by a sensor and for which a payout of the roulette device 3 is executed, the amounts of the jackpots (JPs) accumulated so far, data on the results of processes executed by the server control CPU 81, and the like. Data stored also includes betting information indicating the history of betting positions for each station 4, the number of bets made on number pockets 23 included in the region of betting positions for each station 4 which is set so that the ball lands in this region more often than in the other regions, and the like. Moreover, the RAM 83 includes a betting information memory area 83A therefor. That is, the RAM 83 has a function as a betting history memory for accumulatively storing information on pockets on which bets have been made or information on groups including pockets on which bets have been made.

FIG. 7 shows memory areas of the RAM of the roulette gaming machine according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the RAM 83 includes a betting information memory area 83A, a winning number memory area 83B, a “MINI” JP accumulation memory area 83C, a “MAJOR” JP accumulation memory area 83D and a “MEGA” JP accumulation memory area 83E. In the betting information memory area 83A, betting information on the players currently playing is stored. In the winning number memory area 83B, winning numbers of the roulette device 3 which are determined by the ball sensor 105 is stored. In the “MINI” JP accumulation memory area 83C, the number of credits accumulated as the “MINI” JP is stored. In the “MAJOR” JP accumulation memory area 83D, the number of credits accumulated as the “MAJOR” JP is stored. In the “MEGA” JP accumulation memory area 83E, the number of credits accumulated as the “MEGA” JP is stored. The betting information is, specifically, information on bets made by using the stations 4, and includes the BET areas 72 (see FIG. 4) designated in the BET screen 61, the numbers (bet amounts) of chips bet, and the types of the bets.

Moreover, the server control CPU 81 has the timer 84 for measuring time connected thereto. Time information of the timer 84 is transmitted to the server control CPU 81, and the server control CPU 81 controls the rotation operation of the roulette wheel 22 and the throwing of the ball 27 as described later, based on the time information of the timer 84.

Furthermore, the server control CPU 81 has the electronic display unit 5 (see FIG. 3) connected thereto. Further, the server control CPU 81 controls the emission of LEDs or the like to produce illumination effects. Also, the server control CPU 81 causes the electronic display unit 5 to display predetermined characters or the like. Moreover, the server control CPU 81 causes the electronic display unit 5, in particular the JP amount display section 15 thereof, to display the amount of a JP (in this embodiment, the “MEGA” JP) which has been accumulated so far.

FIG. 8 shows the internal configuration of the roulette device according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the roulette device 3 includes a control unit 109, the pocket position detection circuit 107, the ball throwing device 104, the ball sensor 105, the wheel drive motor 106 and a ball collecting device 108. The control unit 109 corresponds to a controller of the present invention.

The control unit 109 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, and a RAM 103. The CPU 101 changes the control data set upon receiving a command to change the control data set from the server 13. The CPU 101 also controls the launch of the ball 27 and the rotation of the roulette wheel 22 based on data and programs stored on the ROM 102 and the RAM 103.

FIG. 9 shows memory areas of the ROM of the roulette device according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the ROM 102 includes a control data memory area 102A. In the control data memory area 102A, control data sets are stored, which have been described with reference to FIG. 2, and which are used to control the launch of the ball 27 and the rotation of the roulette wheel 22.

The pocket position detection circuit 107 includes a proximity sensor, and detects the position of the roulette wheel 22 based on whether or not the metal plates attached to the roulette wheel 22 have been detected.

The ball throwing device 104 is a mechanism capable of throwing the ball 27 into the roulette wheel 22 through the ball entrance 36 (see FIG. 1). The ball throwing device 104 throws in the ball 27 at the initial velocity set in the control data set. In addition, the ball throwing device 104 throws in the ball 27 with timing based on the launch delay time set in the control data set. That is, the ball 27 is thrown in when the launch delay time elapses after the pocket position detection circuit 107 detects that a predetermined number pocket 23 (e.g., “00”) passes a predetermined position (e.g., passed in front of the ball entrance 36).

The ball sensor 105 is a sensor for detecting which number pocket 23 has received the ball 27. The wheel drive motor 106 is intended to rotate the roulette wheel 22, and stops driving it when the motor drive time set in the control data set elapses since the start of the driving. The ball collecting device 108 is a device for collecting the ball 27 on the roulette wheel 22 after the game ends.

FIG. 10 shows the internal configuration of the station according to this embodiment. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the same configuration can basically be applied to the 12 stations 4 provided, and one station 4 will be described as an example below.

As shown in FIG. 10, the station 4 is provided with a station control unit 90. The station control unit 90 includes a station control CPU 91, a ROM 92 and a RAM 93. The ROM 92 is formed of, for example, a semiconductor memory. The ROM 92 stores a program for achieving basic functions of the station 4, various kinds of other programs necessary for controlling the station 4, data tables and the like. The RAM 93 is a memory for temporarily storing various kinds of data calculated by the station control CPU 91, the number of credits currently possessed by the player (stored in the station 4), the situation with regard to chips bet by the player, and the like.

Moreover, the station control CPU 91 has connected thereto a BET confirmation button 47, a payout button 48, and a help button 49, which are provided in the control unit 7 (see FIG. 3).

The BET confirmation button 47 is a button which is pressed when a bet is confirmed after a betting operation on the display device 8. The payout button 48 is a button which is usually pressed when the game ends. When the payout button 48 is pressed, the number of medals (normally, one medal for one credit) which corresponds to the number of credits acquired in the game or the like and currently possessed by the player are paid out through the medal payout opening 9. The help button 49 is a button which is pressed when the player does not know how to perform operations and the like in the game. When the help button 49 is pressed, a help screen showing information on various operations is displayed on the display device 8 immediately thereafter.

Based on operation signals outputted by pressing the buttons or the like, the station control CPU 91 performs control to execute various kinds of operations corresponding to the signals. Specifically, based on an input signal supplied from the control unit 7 in response to an operation being inputted by the player and based on data and programs stored on the ROM 92 and the RAM 93, the station control CPU 91 executes various processes, and transmits the results thereof to the server control CPU 81.

In addition, the station control CPU 91 causes the game to proceed on the station 4 by receiving a command signal from the server control CPU 81, and by controlling peripheral devices of the station 4. Moreover, depending on the contents of a process, the station control CPU 91 causes the game to proceed as follows. The station control CPU 91 executes various processes, based on an input signal supplied from the control unit 7 in response to an operation being inputted by the player, and based on data and programs stored on the ROM 92 and the RAM 93. Then the station control CPU 91 controls the peripheral devices of the station 4 based on the results thereof so as to cause the game to proceed.

Moreover, the station control CPU 91 has the hopper 94 connected thereto. The hopper 94 pays out a predetermined number of medals through the medal payout opening 9 (see FIG. 3) in accordance with a command signal from the station control CPU 91. Also, the station control CPU 91 has the display device 8 connected thereto through a liquid crystal drive circuit 95. The liquid crystal drive circuit 95 includes a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a video display processor (VDP), and a video RAM. The program ROM stores an image control program relating to display on the display device 8 and various selection tables. The image ROM stores, for example, dot data for forming an image to be displayed on the display device 8. The image control CPU selects an image to be displayed on the display device 8 among those represented by the dot data beforehand stored on the image ROM, in accordance with the image control program beforehand stored on the program ROM, based on a parameter set by the station control CPU 91. The work RAM is configured as a temporary memory used when the image control program is executed by the image control CPU. The VDP forms an image according to information to be displayed which is determined by the image control CPU, and then the VDP outputs the image to the display device 8. The video RAM is configured as a temporary memory used when the image is formed by the VDP.

In addition, as described previously, the touch panel 50 is attached to the front surface of the display device 8. Information on an operation performed on the touch panel 50 is transmitted to the station control CPU 91. On the touch panel 50, the operation of betting chips is performed by the player in the BET screen 61. Specifically, the touch panel 50 is operated for selecting a BET area 72, for operating the unit BET buttons 66, and the like. Then information thereon is transmitted to the station control CPU 91. Subsequently, based on the information, betting information (the BET area designated in the BET screen 61, and the number of chips bet) on the current player is stored on the RAM 93 as needed. Moreover, the betting information is transmitted to the server control CPU 81, and is stored in the betting information memory area of the RAM 83.

Moreover, the station control CPU 91 has a sound output circuit 96 and the speaker 10 connected thereto. The speaker 10 generates various sound effects based on an output signal from the sound output circuit 96 when performing various kinds of productions.

In addition, the station control CPU 91 has the medal sensor 97 connected thereto. The medal sensor 97 detects medals inserted through the medal insertion slot 6 (see FIG. 3), and calculates the inserted medals to transmit the result of the calculation to the station control CPU 91. Based on the transmitted signal, the station control CPU 91 increases the number of credits possessed by the player which is stored on the RAM 93.

Moreover, the station control CPU 91 has the WIN lamp 11 connected thereto. The station control CPU 91 causes the WIN lamp 11 to light in a predetermined color when the chips bet in the BET screen 61 wins or when the JP is won.

Next, game processing by the server 13 and game processing by the station 4 will be described using FIGS. 11 to 16. The game processing by the server 13 is executed by the server control CPU 81 included in the roulette gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment. The game processing by the station 4 is executed by the station control CPU 91.

In this embodiment, game processing by the server 13 and the station 4 will be specifically described for the following three cases. The first case (hereinafter, referred to as a first embodiment) is that the server 13 monitors the betting history stored in the betting information memory area 83A of the RAM 83, and then changes the control data set for controlling the launch of the ball 27 and the rotation of the roulette wheel 22 in response to a fact that a bet is made on a pocket included in the group which is set by a certain control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball. The second case (hereinafter, referred to as a second embodiment) is that the server 13 changes the control data set in response to a fact that bets have been made a predetermined number of times on pockets included in the group which is set by a certain control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball. The third case (hereinafter, referred to as a third embodiment) is that the server 13 changes the control data set according to the number of credits bet on pockets included in the group which is set by a certain control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball.

The first embodiment will be described using FIGS. 11 and 12.

First, the game processing by the station 4 will be described. In step S11, the station control CPU 91 determines, based on a detection signal of the medal sensor 97, whether or not medals or coins have been inserted by the player. If medals or coins have not been inserted (step S11: NO), the station control CPU 91 waits until medals or coins are inserted. On the other hand, if medals or coins have been inserted (step S11: YES), the process goes to step S12.

In step S12, the station control CPU 91 records on the RAM 93 data on the number of credits corresponding to the number of medals or coins inserted. Next, in step S13, the station control CPU 91 transmits to the server 13 a medal detection signal indicating that medals or coins have been inserted.

Subsequently, in step S14, the station control CPU 91 causes the display device 8 of the station 4 to display the BET screen 61 shown in FIG. 4. Then, in step S15, the station control CPU 91 starts counting down a betting period during which players can bet chips. During this betting period in which bets can be accepted, players having joined the game can bet their chips on the BET areas 72 relating to the numbers predicted by themselves by operating the touch panels 50, respectively (see FIG. 4). It should be noted that a specific method of making a bet using the BET screen 61 is as described above using FIG. 4.

Players can also join the game in the middle of the game in which the betting period has already been started. In the roulette gaming machine 1 described as the embodiments of the present invention, up to 12 players can play. Moreover, in the case where the current game is played subsequently to the previous game, betting operation acceptance is started immediately after the previous game ends.

Next, in step S16, upon receiving from the server control CPU 81 a betting period end signal indicating that the betting period has ended, the station control CPU 91 causes the display device 8 of the station 4 to display an image indicating that the betting period has ended. Then the station control CPU 91 stops accepting a betting operation on the touch panel 50 (step S17). Thereafter, the station control CPU 91 transmits betting information on a bet made by the player at the station 4 (step S18). The betting information includes, for example, the BET area 72 on which the player has bet in the BET screen 61 shown in FIG. 4, and the number (referred to as a bet amount) of chips bet on the BET area 72.

Then, in step S19, the station control CPU 91 receives from the server 13 the result of an undermentioned JP bonus game decision process executed by the server control CPU 81. The result of a JP bonus game decision includes the result of a decision as to whether or not to allow a predetermined JP bonus game to occur at any of the stations 4. If a JP bonus game is allowed to occur, the result of the JP bonus game decision further includes the result of a decision about which station 4 among the 12 stations 4 is to win a JP (or the decision that all the stations 4 are to lose). Moreover, if a JP is to be won, the result of the JP bonus game decision further includes the result of a decision about which JP (“MEGA,” “MAJOR,” or “MINI”) is to be won.

Thereafter, in step S20 of FIG. 12, based on the result of the JP bonus game decision process which has been received in step S19, the station control CPU 91 decides whether or not to allow a JP bonus game to occur. If it is decided to allow a JP bonus game to occur at this station 4, the station control CPU 91 executes a predetermined selection-type JP bonus game with regard to the winning of a JP, and causes the display device 8 to display the result of the game (whether or not the JP has been won) based on the decision result received in step S19.

If it is decided not to allow a bonus game to occur at this station 4 in step S20, or after the process of step S21, the station control CPU 91 receives a credit payout result transmitted from the server control CPU 81 (step S22). It should be noted that the credit payout result includes a payout result for the game and a JP payout result for the JP bonus game.

Next, in step S23, the station control CPU 91 pays out credits based on the payout result received in step S22. Specifically, the station control CPU 91 stores on the RAM 93 data on the number of credits corresponding to the payout of the game. Moreover, if a JP bonus game has occurred and the relevant station 4 has won the JP, the station control CPU 91 stores on the RAM 93 data on the number of credits corresponding to the payout of the JP accumulated so far. Then, when the payout button 48 is pressed, the number of medals (usually, one medal for one credit) which corresponds to the number of credits currently stored on the RAM 93 are paid out through the medal payout opening 9.

Thereafter, if gaming is to be continued at any of the stations 4, the process is moved back to step S14, and then starts a betting period again, thus making a transition to the next game. On the other hand, if gaming is to be stopped at all the stations 4, the game processing is terminated.

Next, the game processing performed by the server 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. In the roulette gaming machine 1 described as the embodiments of the present invention, when medals or coins have been inserted in any of the stations 4, the station control CPU 91 of the station 4 in which the medals or coins have been inserted transmits the medal detection signal to the server control CPU 81. In step S101, the server control CPU 81 receives the medal detection signal transmitted from the station control CPU 91, and determines whether or not medals or coins have been inserted by a player.

Then, the server control CPU 81 starts counting down a betting period from the time when the player having joined first inserts medals or coins (step S102). The betting period is a period during which players can input bets. Each of the players having joined the game can bet his/her chips on the BET areas 72 relating to the numbers predicted by him/herself by operating the touch panels 50.

Subsequently, in step S103, the server control CPU 81 determines whether or not the remaining betting period becomes five seconds. It should be noted that the remaining betting period is displayed in the BET time display section 69 (see FIG. 4). If it is determined that the remaining betting period is more than five seconds, the process is moved back to step S103. On the other hand, if it is determined that the remaining betting period is five seconds, the process is moved to step S104.

In step S104, the server control CPU 81 transmits to the CPU 101 of the roulette device 3 a control signal for starting the operation of the roulette device 3. The CPU 101 which has received this control signal refers to the control data set stored on the ROM 102 and controls the following operations. The CPU 101 drives the wheel drive motor 106 for the motor drive time set in the control data set, thereby causing the roulette wheel 22 to rotate. Next, when a predetermined period (e.g., 20 seconds) elapses after the start of rotation of the roulette wheel 22, the CPU 101 detects a detection signal from the pocket position detection circuit 107. Then, after the launch delay time elapses, the CPU 101 causes the ball the ball 27 to be thrown in. At this time, the ball is thrown in at the initial velocity set in the control data set. With regard to the control data set to be referred to, at the start-up of the roulette gaming machine 1, one control data set is designated as a reference target. In a case where another control data set is designated as a reference target, this control data set is to be referred to.

Thereafter, in step S105, the server control CPU 81 determines whether or not the betting period has ended. If it is determined that the betting period has not ended, the server control CPU 81 waits until the betting period ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the betting period has ended, the server control CPU 81 transmits to the station control CPU 91 a betting period end signal indicating that the betting period has ended (step S106).

Next, in step S107, the server control CPU 81 receives from the station control CPU 91 betting information including the BET area 72 (see FIG. 4) designated by the player at each station 4, the number of chips bet on the designated BET area 72, and the type of the bet. Then, the received betting information is stored in the betting information memory area 83A of the RAM 83.

Thereafter, in step S108, the server control CPU 81 adds, to the JP amount recorded in the “MINI” JP accumulation memory area 83C of the RAM 83, the number of credits equivalent to 0.30% of the total number of credits bet at the stations 4, which has been received in step S107. At the same time, the server control CPU 81 adds, to the JP amount recorded in the “MAJOR” JP accumulation memory area 83D of the RAM 83, the number of credits equivalent to 0.20% of the total number of credits. Moreover, the server control CPU 81 further adds, to the JP amount recorded in the “MEGA” JP accumulation memory area 83E of the RAM 83, the number of credits equivalent to 0.15% of the total number of credits. Furthermore, based on these JP amounts, the server control CPU 81 updates the display of the JP amount display section 15, the MEGA display section 73, the MAJOR display section 74, and the MINI display section 75.

Next, in step S109, the server control CPU 81 performs a JP bonus game decision process. In this process, using a random number value sampled by a sampling circuit or the like, the server control CPU 81 decides whether or not to allow a JP bonus game to occur at each station 4. Moreover, if a JP bonus game is allowed to occur, the server control CPU 81 decides which station 4 among the 12 stations 4 is to win a JP (or decides that all the stations 4 are to lose). Furthermore, if a JP is to be won, the server control CPU 81 decides which JP (“MEGA,” “MAJOR,” or “MINI”) is to be won.

Subsequently, in step S110, the server control CPU 81 transmits the result of a decision about a JP bonus game to each station 4 based on the process of step S109.

Then, in step S111 of FIG. 12, 1 by transmitting a control signal to the roulette device 3, the server control CPU 8 causes the ball sensor 105 to be driven, and thereby determines the number of the number pocket 23 which has received the ball 27.

Subsequently, based on the betting information on each station 4 which has been received in step S107, and based on the kind of the pocket which has been determined in step S111, the server control CPU 81 determines whether or not chips bet at each station 4 have won (step S112).

Thereafter, in step S113, the server control CPU 81 executes a payout calculation process. In the payout calculation process, for each station 4, the server control CPU 81 identifies chips bet on the number for which a payout is determined to be made, and calculates the total number of credits paid out to each station 4, using the payout rate (number of credits paid out per chip (that is one bet)) of each BET area 72 which is stored in the payout credit memory area 82A of the ROM 82.

Next, in step S114, the server control CPU 81 executes the process of transmitting a credit payout result of the game based on the payout calculation process of step S113 and a JP payout result based on the JP bonus game decision process of step S109. Specifically, the server control CPU 81 outputs data on the number of credits equivalent to the payout amount of the game to the station control CPU 91 of each station 4 which has won the game. Moreover, if a JP has been won, the server control CPU 81 further outputs data on the number of credits equivalent to the JP amount currently accumulated so far.

Thereafter, in step S115, the server control CPU 81 transmits a control signal to the roulette device 3. Thereby the server control CPU 81 drives the ball collecting device 108 provided under the roulette wheel 22, and causes the ball collecting device 108 to collect the ball 27 on the roulette wheel 22. The collected ball 27 is to be thrown into the roulette wheel 22 of the roulette device 3 again in each subsequent game.

Next, the server control CPU 81 monitors the betting history indicating a history of pockets on which bets have been made, and generates a command signal indicating that the control data set should be changed according to the betting history. Specifically, in step S116, the server control CPU 81 monitors the betting history stored in the betting information memory area 83A of the RAM 83. Then the server control CPU 81 determines whether or not a bet has been made on a pocket included in the group set by a certain control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball. If it is determined that a bet has been made on a pocket included in the group which is set by a certain control data set to have a relatively higher receiving probability (step S116: YES), the server control CPU 81 generates a command signal indicating that the control data set should be changed. Then, the server control CPU 81 transmits the command signal to the CPU 101 of the roulette device 3.

The CPU 101 which has received this command signal samples a random number. Based on the obtained random number, the CPU 101 selects, as a reference target, a control data set, which is different from the currently designated control data set, among the plurality of control data sets (see FIGS. 2 and 9) stored on the ROM 102, and terminates this subroutine. On the other hand, if in step S116 it is determined that the pockets on which the players have bet are not those included in the group which is set by the control data set to have a higher receiving probability (step S116: NO), this subroutine is terminated.

As described above, in the roulette gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, the probability of each number pocket receiving the ball 27 can be appropriately changed by the game processing by the server 13 and the station 4 which are described as the first embodiment. Accordingly, new entertainment value can be provided. Moreover, by the game processing by the server 13 and the station 4 which are described as the first embodiment, the control data set for the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of the ball is changed to another control data set in response to a fact that a bet is made on a pocket included in the group which is set by the control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball. That is, a bias in bets made by players can be detected to change the control data set for controlling the launch of the ball 27 and the rotation of the roulette wheel 22. For this reason, the following situation can be avoided: a bias in which the ball lands in some pockets more often than in the other pockets is read by players, and thus bets are concentrated in a certain region including the relevant pockets.

Next, a second embodiment of game processing by the server 13 and the station 4 will be described using FIGS. 11 and 13. The game processing by the server is executed by the server control CPU 81 included in the roulette gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment. The game processing by the station 4 is executed by the station control CPU 91. The second embodiment has the following feature. The server 13 monitors the betting history stored in the betting information memory area 83A of the PAM 83. Then, in response to a fact that bets have been made a predetermined number of times on pockets included in the group which is set by a certain control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball, the server 13 changes the control data set.

A characteristic portion of the game processing by the server 13 of the second embodiment is shown in FIG. 13. It should be noted that part of the game processing by the server 13 and the game processing by the station 4 which is executed by the station control CPU 91 will not be described in detail here because the game processing of the first embodiment described using FIG. 11 can be applied thereto.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, in step S115, the server control CPU 81 of the server 13 transmits a control signal to the roulette device 3 to drive the ball collecting device 108 provided under the roulette wheel 22. Thereby the server control CPU 81 causes the ball collecting device 108 to collect the ball 27 on the roulette wheel 22. Then, the server control CPU 81 goes to step S120. In step S120, the server control CPU 81 monitors the betting history indicating a history of pockets on which bets have been made. Then the server control CPU 81 generates a command signal indicating that the control data set should be changed according to the betting history. Here, in particular, the server control CPU 81 monitors the betting history stored in the betting information memory area 83A of the RAM 83. Thereafter, the server control CPU 81 determines whether or not a bet has been made on a pocket included in the group which has been set by a certain control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball. Then, if it is determined that a bet has been made on a pocket included in the group which is set by the control data set to have a relatively higher receiving probability (step S120: YES), the server control CPU 81 goes to step S121.

In step S121, the server control CPU 81 determines whether or not the number of bets made on the relevant pockets has reached a predetermined number of times. The predetermined number of times is, for example, three times. If the predetermined number of times has been reached (step S121: YES), the server control CPU 81 generates, in step S122, a command signal indicating that the control data set should be changed. Then, the command signal is transmitted to the CPU 101 of the roulette device 3. That is, when bets are made on pockets included in the group set by the control data set three consecutive times, the server control CPU 81 performs the process of changing the control data set.

The CPU 101 which has received the command signal samples a random number. Based on the obtained random number, the CPU 101 selects as a reference target a control data set different from the currently designated control data set among the plurality of control data sets (see FIGS. 2 and 9) stored on the ROM 102, and terminates this subroutine. On the other hand, if the predetermined number of times has not been reached in step S121 (step S121: NO), this subroutine is also terminated.

On the other hand, if in step S120 it is determined that a bet has not been made on a pocket included in the group which is set by the control data set to have a higher receiving probability (step S120: NO), the server control CPU 81 resets, in step S123, the betting information stored in the betting information memory area 83A of the RAM 83 which is used to store the betting information, and terminates this subroutine.

As described above, in the roulette gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, the probability of each number pocket receiving the ball 27 can be appropriately changed by the game processing by the server 13 and the station 4 which is described as the second embodiment. Accordingly, new entertainment value can be provided. In addition, by the game processing by the server 13 and the station 4 which is described as the second embodiment, the control data set for the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of the ball is changed to other control data set in response to a fact that bets have been made a predetermined number of times on pockets included in the group which is set by the control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball. That is, since a bias in bets made by players can be detected to change the control data set for controlling the launch of the ball 27 and the rotation of the roulette wheel 22, the following situation can be avoided: a bias in which the ball lands in some pockets more often than in the other pockets is read by players, and bets are concentrated in a certain region including the relevant pockets.

Next, a third embodiment of game processing by the server 13 and the station 4 will be described using FIGS. 11 and 14. The game processing by the server 13 is executed by the server control CPU 81 included in the roulette gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment. The game processing by the station 4 which is executed by the station control CPU 91 will be described using FIGS. 11 and 14. The third embodiment has the following feature. The server 13 monitors the betting history stored in the betting information memory area 83A of the RAM 83. Then, the server 13 changes the control data set according to the number of credits bet on pockets included in the group which is set by a certain control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball.

A characteristic portion of the game processing by the server 13 of the third embodiment is shown in FIG. 14. It should be noted that part of the game processing by the server 13 and the game processing by the station 4 which are executed by the station control CPU 91 will not be described in detail here because the game processing of the first embodiment described using FIG. 11 can be applied thereto.

In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, in step S115, the server control CPU 81 of the server 13 transmits a control signal to the roulette device 3 to drive the ball collecting device 108 provided under the roulette wheel 22. Thereby, the ball collecting device 108 is caused to collect the ball 27 on the roulette wheel 22. Then the server control CPU 81 goes to step S130.

In step S130, the server control CPU 81 monitors the betting history indicating a history of pockets on which bets have been made. Then, the server control CPU 81 generates a command signal indicating that the control data set should be changed according to the betting history. Here, in particular, the server control CPU 81 monitors the betting history stored in the betting information memory area 83A of the RAM 83. Thereafter the server control CPU 81 determines whether or not a bet has been made on a pocket included in the group which is set by a certain control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball. Then, if it is determined that a bet has been made on a pocket included in the group which is set by the control data set to have a relatively higher receiving probability (step S130: YES), the server control CPU 81 goes to step S131.

In step S131, the server control CPU 81 determines whether or not the number of credits bet on the relevant pockets has reached a predetermined number of credits. The predetermined number of credits is, for example, 100. If the predetermined number of credits has been reached (step S131: YES), the server control CPU 81 generates, in step S132, a command signal indicating that the control data set should be changed. Then, the command signal is transmitted to the CPU 101 of the roulette device 3. That is, the server control CPU 81 performs the process of changing the control data set in response to a predetermined number of credits being bet on pockets included in the group which is set by the control data set.

It should be noted that the number of credits here may be the number of credits bet in one game or may be the accumulated number of credits over a series of games in which the determinations of step S130 are affirmative.

The CPU 101 which has received the command signal samples a random number. Based on the obtained random number, the CPU 101 selects as a reference target a control data set different from the currently designated control data set among the plurality of control data sets stored on the ROM 102 (see FIGS. 2 and 9), and terminates this subroutine. On the other hand, if the predetermined number of credits has not reached in step S131 (step S131: NO), this subroutine is also terminated.

On the other hand, if in step S130 it is determined that bets have not been made on pockets included in the group which is set by the control data set to have a higher receiving probability (step S130: NO), the server control CPU 81 resets, in step S133, the betting information stored in the betting information memory area 83A of the RAM 83 which is used to store the betting information, and terminates this subroutine.

As described above, in the roulette gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, the probability of each number pocket receiving the ball 27 can be appropriately changed by the game processing by the server 13 and the station 4 which is described as the third embodiment. Accordingly, new entertainment value can be provided. In addition, by the game processing by the server 13 and the station 4 which is described as the third embodiment, the control data set for the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of the ball is changed to another control data set in response to a predetermined number of credits being bet on pockets included in the group which is set by the control data set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball. That is, since a bias in bets made by players can be detected to change the control data set for controlling the launch of the ball 27 and the rotation of the roulette wheel 22, the following situation can be avoided: a bias in which the ball lands in some pockets more often than in the other pockets is read by players, and bets are concentrated in a certain region including the relevant pockets.

As described above, in the roulette gaming machine 1 described as the embodiments of the present invention, the control data set is changed using betting information as a trigger for changing a bias in which some number pockets receive the ball more often than the other number pockets. The betting information includes the number of bets made on the region which is set by the control data set for creating a bias in which some pockets receive the ball more often than the other pockets, i.e., on a group of pockets. In addition, the betting information also includes the number of credits bet. Accordingly, the following situation can be avoided: a bias in which the ball lands in some pockets more often than in the other pockets is read by players, and that bets are thus concentrated in a certain region including the relevant pockets.

The above-described gaming apparatus is merely one example of an embodiment of the present invention. The design of specific components such as each means can be appropriately changed, and the specific components are not intended to limit the present invention. Moreover, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of most favorable effects produced by the present invention, and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

Moreover, in the above detailed description, in order to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, a focus has been placed on characteristic portions. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the above detailed description, can also be applied to other embodiments, and has a wide range of applications. Furthermore, terms and wording used in the present specification have been used in order to properly describe the present invention, but are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention.

Also, from the concept of the present invention described in the present specification, those skilled in the art will easily think of other configurations, systems, methods, and the like included in the concept of the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims include equivalent components without departing from the scope of technical principles of the present invention. In addition, the purpose of the abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and other public offices, engineers in the art who are not well versed in patents or legal or technical terms, and the like to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the technical contents and nature of the present application. Thus, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention which should be evaluated based on the description of the scope of claims. Moreover, in order to sufficiently understand an object and a characteristic effect of the present invention, it is desired that the object and the characteristic effect of the present invention should be interpreted in careful consideration of documents and the like which have already been disclosed.

Furthermore, the above detailed description includes processes executed by computers. The above description and expression is described in order for those skilled in the art to understand the present invention most efficiently. In the present specification, each step used to derive one result should be interpreted as a self-consistent process. Also, in each step, the transmission, reception, recording, or the like of an electric or magnetic signal is performed. For the process of each step, such a signal has been expressed using a bit, a value, a symbol, a character, a term, a number, or the like. However, it should be noted that these have been used merely for convenience of explanation. Moreover, in some cases, the process of each step has been described using expressions which can also be used to describe human actions. However, the processes described in the present specification are executed by various devices in principle. Furthermore, other components needed to perform each step are apparent from the above description. 

1. A gaming apparatus, comprising: a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets each previously associated with a number; a memory storing a plurality of control data sets each used to perform control so that there is a variation in probabilities of receiving a ball in each of the pockets among the pockets; and a controller operable to: control rotation of the roulette wheel and launch of the ball, with reference to one of the plurality of control data sets; and select another one of the plurality of control data sets, which is different from the one of the control data sets, according to a betting history indicating a history of the pockets on which bets have been made.
 2. A gaming apparatus, comprising: a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets each previously associated with a number; a memory storing a plurality of control data sets each used to perform control so that any one of a plurality of groups has a relatively higher probability of receiving a ball, each group including a predetermined number of pockets among the plurality of pockets; and a controller operable to: control rotation of the roulette wheel and launch of the ball, with reference to one of the plurality of control data sets; monitor a betting history indicating a history of the pockets on which bets have been made; and select another one of the plurality of control data sets, which is different from the one of the control data sets, in response to a fact that a bet has been made on a pocket included in one of the groups which is set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball by using the one of the control data sets.
 3. A gaming apparatus, comprising: a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets each previously associated with a number; a memory storing a plurality of control data sets each set used to perform control so that there is a variation in probabilities of receiving a ball in each of a plurality of groups among the groups, each group including a predetermined number of pockets among the plurality of pockets, and each set including at least one of data on control of rotation of the roulette wheel, data on timing of launch of a ball, and data on initial launch velocity of the ball; and a controller operable to: control the rotation of the roulette wheel and the launch of the ball with reference to one of the plurality of control data sets; monitor a betting history indicating a history of the pockets on which bets have been made; and select another one of the plurality of control data sets, which is different from the one of the control data sets, in response to a fact that bets have been made a predetermined number of times on pockets included in one of the groups which is set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball by using the one of the control data sets.
 4. The gaming apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a betting history memory accumulatively storing the pockets on which bets have been made or the groups including the pockets on which bets have been made, wherein the controller resets the betting history memory each time a pocket on which the immediately previous bet has been made is changed to another one of the pockets, or each time a group including a pocket on which the immediately previous bet has been made is changed to another one of the groups.
 5. The gaming apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller selects another one of the plurality of control data sets, which is different from the one of the control data sets, according to the number of credits bet on one of the pockets which is set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball by using the one of the control data sets, or according to the number of credits bet on one of the pockets included in one of the groups which is set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball by using the one of the control data sets.
 6. A method of controlling a gaming apparatus, comprising the steps of: controlling rotation of a roulette wheel and launch of a ball with reference to one of a plurality of control data sets, the roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets each previously associated with a number, each control data set being used to perform control so that there is a variation in probabilities of receiving the ball in each of the pockets among the pockets; and selecting another one of the plurality of control data sets, which is different from the one of the control data sets, according to a betting history indicating a history of the pockets on which bets have been made.
 7. A method of controlling a gaming apparatus, comprising the steps of: controlling rotation of a roulette wheel and launch of a ball with reference to one of a plurality of control data sets, the roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets each previously associated with a number, each control data set being used to perform control so that any one of a plurality of groups has a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball, each group including a predetermined number of pockets among the plurality of pockets; monitoring a betting history indicating a history of the pockets on which bets have been made; and selecting another one of the plurality of control data sets, which is different from the one of the control data sets, in response to a fact that a bet has been made on a pocket included in one of the groups which is set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball by using the one of the control data sets.
 8. A method of controlling a gaming apparatus, comprising the steps of: controlling rotation of a roulette wheel and launch of a ball with reference to one of a plurality of control data sets, the roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets each previously associated with a number, each set used to perform control so that there is a variation in probabilities of receiving the ball in each of a plurality of groups among the groups, each group including a predetermined number of pockets among the plurality of pockets, and each set including at least one of data on control of the rotation of the roulette wheel, data on timing of the launch of a ball, and data on an initial launch velocity of the ball; monitoring a betting history indicating a history of the pockets on which bets have been made; and selecting another one of the plurality of control data sets, which is different from the one of the control data sets, in response to a fact that bets have been made a predetermined number of times on pockets included in one of the groups which is set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball by using the one of the control data sets.
 9. The method of any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising the steps of: storing accumulatively on a betting history memory the pockets on which bets have been made or the groups including the pockets on which bets have been made; and resetting the betting history memory each time a pocket on which the immediately previous bet has been made is changed to another one of the pockets, or each time a group including a pocket on which the immediately previous bet has been made is changed to another one of the groups.
 10. The method of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein in the step of selecting another one of the plurality of control data sets, which is different from the one of the control data sets, another control data set which is different from the one of the control data sets is selected, according to the number of credits bet on one of the pockets which is set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball by using the one of the control data sets, or according to the number of credits bet on pockets included in one of the groups which is set to have a relatively higher probability of receiving the ball by using the one of the control data sets. 